The family of the passer-by who was killed in a city centre disturbance last weekend have paid tribute to a ‘soft natured and gentle’ man.
60-year-old Kevin Wood was tragically killed on Saturday evening in an incident close to the Printworks in the city centre.
His ‘devastated’ family say he was a ‘special’ character who was out celebrating his wife’s birthday when he was assaulted on Dantzic Street.
Greater Manchester Police have said that Kevin wasn’t involved in the initial disturbance and was a passer-by.
Dantzic Street, near where the incident took place. Credit: Google Maps
Describing Kevin, his family said: “We are struggling to put into words just how special Kevin – known as ‘Woody’ to his friends – was and how much he meant to all who knew him.
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“He was extremely hard-working, proud and loyal to his family. He was a soft natured and gentle man who always thought of others.
“Kevin was a loving husband, best friend and soul mate to his wife. Dad to his only daughter, stepdad, grandad, brother and uncle who was just out celebrating his wife’s birthday. He will be a deeply missed.
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“We, as a family, are devastated at his loss.
“We would respectfully ask for privacy at this time to allow us to grieve and come to terms with this devastating incident.”
Kevin’s family are receiving support from specialist officers.
GMP are appealing for anyone with information or footage to come forward – information can now be uploaded to a Major Incident Public Portal at: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP21S39-PO1
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Details can also be reported to police on 0161 856 6377, 101 or via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk quoting log 2792 of 20/11/2021.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured image: GMP / Google Maps
News
Victim named and murder investigation launched after young woman is killed in Newton Heath stabbing
Emily Sergeant
The victim of a street stabbing in Newton Heath this week has been named for the first time as a murder investigation continues.
It comes after officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) responded to reports of a disturbance at around 2am yesterday (Thursday 15 October) on Dorking Avenue, in the Newton Heath area of Manchester, and when they arrived on the scene, they found a woman in her 20s with serious injuries that were ‘consistent with a stabbing’.
Despite best efforts of all emergency services involved, the young woman was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
As the murder investigation progresses, the woman has now been publicly named and a photo of her has been released for the first time.
She has been named as 26-year-old Alisha Samuels.
At this time, one man, aged 25, has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and a man and woman, aged 61 and 38, have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, and they all remain in custody – with officers continuing their enquiries to establish the full circumstances of this incident.
Alisha’s family have asked for privacy whilst they deal with the devastating loss of their loved one, GMP has stated.
“We are continuing to urge people who may have information in relation to this incident to please come forward to support our investigation and bring justice for Alisha,” the police force said in a public appeal.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or has mobile phone, CCTV, or doorbell footage, is urged to call GMP on 0161 856 5464, or contact them via the Major Incident Public Portal here.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
Featured Image – GMP (Family Handout)
News
Former supply teacher jailed for multiple upskirting and AI sex offences across Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
A former supply teacher has been jailed for multiple upskirting and AI sex offences in schools across Greater Manchester.
Abusali Rahman – a British national of Bangladeshi ethnicity from Salford – appeared in Bolton Crown Court this week for his sentencing after first being charged with, and then pleading guilty to, several offences.
The offences are including, but not limited to, 12 counts of taking an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child (images obtained by upskirting), three counts of making indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (making AI-generated images), and one count of attempting to meet girl under 16 following sexual grooming.
The offences are alleged to have taken place between December 2023 and June 2025, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
Twelve girls have been identified in relation to the upskirting offences – aged between 13 and 16 at the time of the alleged offending – at seven high schools in three Greater Manchester boroughs (Bury, Bolton, and Salford).
GMP says it has remained in close contact with the schools, local authorities, and other partners throughout the investigation to ensure all appropriate support is in place for those who need it.
Additionally, the court also heard how Rahman amassed a collection of images of young girls, using AI and other methods to sexualise them.
The images numbered more than 300 in total, ranging from Category A to Category C classifications, and Rahman would post these on social media, often alongside humiliating and disgusting captions.
Rahman was sentenced to six years in prison, and will also be subject to a 20-year Sexual Harm Protection Order.
A former supply teacher has been jailed for child sex offences in schools across Greater Manchester / Credit: GMP
Detective Constable Lisa McGaffin, from GMP’s Bolton Child Protection Team, described Rahman’s crimes as ‘absolutely abhorrent’.
“My thoughts throughout this process have always been with the young girls who have been subject to such indignity,” DC McGaffin said following the sentencing this week. “Their welfare and support will always be a priority for us.
“While working as a teacher – someone who young children should trust and be safe with – Rahman repeatedly took secret photos for his own sick gratification, before posting images online which showed his total disregard for the girls’ respect and dignity.
Daisy Jackson -
23rd November 2021 
